An experiment with AI / Chat GPT

[Sneldog]

I just put the first two days of my Vosges trip through Grok and the results look excellent.

Thanks for sharing the details of Day 1! I’ve got a good starting point to work with now. Your plan begins with a rendezvous near the Channel Tunnel, a quick hop to Calais, a motorway stretch to Cambrai, and then a scenic ride through the Ardennes to Sedan, where you’re staying at the Château Fort Hotel. That’s a solid kickoff—about 250-300 km depending on your exact starting point near the tunnel, with a mix of fast transit and a taste of the Ardennes’ rolling hills. Let’s break it down and see how we can enhance it for Wednesday, June 11th, keeping your hotel fixed.

---

### Current Plan: Day 1 - Wednesday, June 11th
- **Route**: Channel Tunnel → Calais → Motorway to Cambrai → Ardennes ride → Sedan (Château Fort Hotel).
- **Distance**: Roughly 250-300 km (e.g., Folkestone to Sedan via Calais and Cambrai is ~280 km on direct roads).
- **Assumed Timing**: Likely an early start from the tunnel (say 9-10 AM post-crossing), arriving in Sedan by late afternoon/early evening.
- **Terrain**: Flat motorway from Calais to Cambrai (A26, ~150 km), then transitioning to the Ardennes’ hilly, wooded roads toward Sedan.

### Improvements & Suggestions
Since you’re locked into Sedan for the night, I’ll focus on optimizing the ride—better roads, a scenic tweak, or a quick stop—while ensuring you still arrive at the Château Fort Hotel on time. June 11th should offer good daylight (sunset ~9:30 PM) and mild weather (15-25°C), perfect for enjoying the journey.

#### 1. Refine the Motorway Stretch (Calais to Cambrai)
- **Current**: You’ve got “motorway to Cambrai,” likely the A26, which is fast (1.5-2 hours) but dull for a motorbike tour—flat, straight, and toll-heavy.
- **Improvement**: Cut the motorway time by exiting earlier and picking up a more engaging road. Try this:
- From Calais, take the **A26** briefly (~40 km) to Saint-Omer, then exit onto the **D928/D300** toward Arques and Hazebrouck. Continue via **D916/D933** to Bailleul and Armentières, then **D945** to Cambrai. This adds ~30-45 minutes but swaps motorway monotony for quiet roads through Pas-de-Calais farmland and small villages.
- **Why**: Less traffic, gentle curves, and a chance to feel the bike breathe early on. Plus, fewer tolls!
- **Quick Stop**: **Saint-Omer** (~40 km from Calais). A historic market town with a Gothic cathedral and quaint canals. Grab a coffee or stretch your legs in the Place Foch—20-30 minutes max.

#### 2. Enhance the Ardennes Ride (Cambrai to Sedan)
- **Current**: “Nice ride through the Ardennes” sounds promising, but the direct route (e.g., A304 or N43) might be too tame or industrial in spots.
- **Improvement**: From Cambrai, skip the autoroute and head southeast via:
- **D939/D643** to Le Cateau-Cambrésis, then **D951/D932** through Avesnes-sur-Helpe and the **Forêt de Mormal**. Cross into the Ardennes via **D805/D104** to Rocroi, then **D877/D985** to Sedan. This is ~120 km, taking 2.5-3 hours versus 1.5 on the A304, but it’s a proper motorbike route—twisty, forested, and dotted with stone villages.
- **Why**: The Ardennes shine here with wooded hills, sweeping bends, and a rugged vibe. The D985 into Sedan is especially fun—open enough to cruise, tight enough to lean in.
- **Place to Add**: **Rocroi** (~20 km before Sedan). A star-shaped fortified town with 16th-century walls. Park up, snap a photo, or grab a quick snack—30-45 minutes tops. It’s a hidden gem that fits your Ardennes theme.

#### 3. Make the Most of Sedan
- **Arrival**: Château Fort Hotel is a fantastic choice—it’s part of Sedan’s massive medieval castle, the largest fortified castle in Europe. You’re already set for a unique stay!
- **Evening Bonus**: After checking in, explore the castle grounds (often open late in June, ~7-8 PM). The views from the ramparts at dusk are stunning, and there’s usually a brasserie nearby (e.g., Le Saint-Michel) for a hearty French meal—think steak frites or Ardennesi charcuterie.
- **June Note**: The castle might host evening events in summer—check their site closer to the date for a bonus experience.

---

### Enhanced Day 1 Itinerary
- **Start**: Channel Tunnel (e.g., 9:30 AM post-crossing).
- **Calais to Cambrai (~150 km)**: A26 to Saint-Omer (40 km, ~30 min), then D928/D916/D945 via Hazebrouck to Cambrai (~2-2.5 hours). Optional 30-min stop in Saint-Omer.
- **Cambrai to Sedan (~120 km)**: D939/D951/D805 through the Ardennes to Rocroi, then D877/D985 to Sedan (~2.5-3 hours). Optional 30-min stop in Rocroi.
- **Arrival**: Sedan, Château Fort Hotel (~5-6 PM, depending on stops).
- **Total Ride Time**: ~5-6 hours (excluding breaks), ~270-290 km.

### Why It’s Better
- **Riding**: Trades motorway slog for secondary roads with character—more curves, less tolls, and a proper Ardennes feel.
- **Sights**: Adds Saint-Omer’s charm and Rocroi’s fortress without derailing your schedule.
- **Pace**: Keeps it relaxed with optional stops you can skip if time’s tight (e.g., late tunnel crossing).

---

### Next Steps
This is just Day 1—your trip’s off to a strong start! If you’ve got the rest of your itinerary (Days 2 onward), share those hotel stops or routes, and I’ll keep building on it. For now, does this enhanced Day 1 sound good? Anything specific you’d tweak—more riding, fewer stops, or a different vibe? Let me know!

 

[Sneldog]

Day 2 feedback from Grok!

Glad Day 1’s enhancements hit the mark! Since you’re already set with a “very nice cross country route” through the Ardennes that you know well, I’ll trust your expertise there and focus on Day 2. Your plan for Thursday, June 12th—Sedan to the Northern Vosges via Douaumont Ossuary, a bakery in Verdun, and two national parks, ending at a Logis hotel near Haguenau—sounds like a gem of a ride. It’s roughly 250-300 km depending on your exact path, blending history, food, and nature. Let’s break it down and see how we can polish it up while keeping your core stops intact.

---

### Current Plan: Day 2 - Thursday, June 12th
- **Route**: Sedan → Douaumont Ossuary → Verdun (bakery stop) → Two national parks → Logis hotel near Haguenau.
- **Distance**: ~250-300 km (e.g., Sedan to Verdun ~70 km, Verdun to Haguenau ~200-230 km via parks).
- **Assumed Timing**: Morning start from Sedan (say 9 AM), arriving Haguenau area by late afternoon/early evening.
- **Key Stops**: Douaumont Ossuary (WWI memorial), Verdun bakery, two national parks (likely Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord and possibly Parc Naturel Régional de Lorraine en route).
- **Terrain**: Ardennes hills fading into Lorraine plains, then the gentle Vosges foothills near Haguenau.

### Improvements & Suggestions
You’ve got a solid framework—history at Douaumont, a tasty break in Verdun, and scenic parks. I’ll enhance it by suggesting ways to maximize the ride (since you love cross-country roads), refine your park routing, and add a small twist or two, all while landing you at your Logis hotel near Haguenau. June 12th gives you long daylight (~9:30 PM sunset) and great riding conditions.

#### 1. Sedan to Douaumont Ossuary & Verdun (~70-80 km)
- **Current**: Your cross-country knack likely has you on something like the D964/D603 to Verdun, avoiding the A4.
- **Improvement**: If not already planned, try this: From Sedan, take the **D977/D6** south via Stenay to Dun-sur-Meuse, then **D964** through Sivry-sur-Meuse to Verdun. It’s ~70 km, 1.5-2 hours, with quiet roads hugging the Meuse River—gentle bends, water views, and Ardennes charm.
- From Verdun, it’s a quick 10 km northeast on the **D603/D913** to Douaumont Ossuary. Visit the ossuary first, then loop back to Verdun for the bakery.
- **Why**: Keeps your cross-country vibe, avoids urban sprawl, and sets up a smooth flow.
- **Douaumont Ossuary**: A haunting WWI site—bones of 130,000 soldiers visible through windows, plus a tower with views over the battlefields. Allow 30-60 minutes.
- **Verdun Bakery**: Any spot in mind? If not, **Pâtisserie Laurent** (near Place Chevert) is a local favorite—croissants, pain au chocolat, or tarte aux mirabelles if they’ve got seasonal fruit. 30-45 minutes for a break.

#### 2. Verdun to the National Parks (~100-150 km to park edges)
- **Current**: You’re passing through “two national parks,” likely Parc Naturel Régional de Lorraine (closer to Verdun) and Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord (near Haguenau).
- **Improvement**: Link them with a rider-friendly route:
- From Verdun, head east on **D66/D904** via Étain to Briey, entering **Parc Naturel Régional de Lorraine**. Skirt the park’s edge via **D643/D15** through Jarny and Conflans-en-Jarnisy—rolling hills, forests, and sleepy villages.
- Cross into **Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord** via **D657/D919** through Sarrebourg and Phalsbourg. This stretch (~80 km from Briey) climbs into sandstone hills and pine woods—perfect for a motorbike.
- **Why**: Avoids bland N-roads (e.g., N4), keeps you on twisty D-roads, and maximizes park scenery. Total ~2.5-3.5 hours depending on pace.
- **Place to Add**: **Lac de Pierre-Percée** (in Parc de Lorraine, near Badonviller, slight detour off D15). A stunning lake surrounded by forest—great for a quick photo or leg stretch. Adds 30-45 minutes but worth it for the view.

#### 3. National Parks to Haguenau (~80-100 km)
- **Current**: Ending near Haguenau, a gateway to the Northern Vosges, at a Logis hotel (cozy, independent spots—nice pick!).
- **Improvement**: From the Vosges du Nord, take the **D919/D1062** via La Petite-Pierre (a hilltop village) to Saverne, then **D1404/D421** into Haguenau. This keeps you on scenic backroads—wooded curves and open stretches—rather than the faster D1340.
- **Why**: Stays true to your cross-country theme, with the Vosges’ red sandstone cliffs and castles peeking through. ~1.5-2 hours.
- **Place to Add**: **Château du Haut-Barr** (near Saverne, ~20 km before Haguenau). A medieval ruin dubbed the “Eye of Alsace” for its panoramic views. A short walk from the road—30-60 minutes if you’re up for it.
- **Haguenau Evening**: Your Logis hotel will likely have a restaurant—expect Alsatian classics like choucroute or flammekueche. If it’s in town, Haguenau’s old center has a relaxed vibe for a post-ride stroll.

---

### Enhanced Day 2 Itinerary
- **Start**: Sedan (9 AM).
- **Sedan to Verdun/Douaumont (~70 km)**: D977/D964 to Verdun, then D603 to Douaumont Ossuary (~1.5-2 hours). Ossuary visit (30-60 min), bakery stop in Verdun (30-45 min).
- **Verdun to Parks (~120-150 km)**: D66/D643/D657 through Parc de Lorraine, into Vosges du Nord via D919 (~3-3.5 hours). Optional Lac de Pierre-Percée stop (30-45 min).
- **Parks to Haguenau (~80-100 km)**: D919/D1404 via La Petite-Pierre to Haguenau (~1.5-2 hours). Optional Château du Haut-Barr stop (30-60 min).
- **Arrival**: Logis hotel near Haguenau (~5-6 PM with stops, ~4 PM without).
- **Total Ride Time**: ~6-7 hours (excluding breaks), ~270-300 km.

### Why It’s Better
- **Riding**: Reinforces your cross-country love with winding D-roads through two parks—more trees, fewer trucks.
- **Sights**: Adds Lac de Pierre-Percée’s beauty and Haut-Barr’s views without overloading your day (both optional).
- **Flow**: Ties your stops (Ossuary, Verdun, parks) into a cohesive ride, landing you in Haguenau refreshed.

---

### Checking In
Your Day 2 is already strong, and this just sprinkles in some extra flavor. Since you know the Ardennes, I kept the early route light on changes—your plan there’s clearly dialed in. Does this enhanced Day 2 feel right? Any tweaks you’d like (e.g., skip a stop, more curves)? And when you’re ready, toss me Day 3—I’m loving where this tour’s headed!

 

[Wapping]

I have had a play, using ChatGPT to offer up a route for a jaunt I know well. From a brief look, it seems good enough for a day out or at least as a base from which to amend. Indeed the AI says as much in its closing advice. Interesting is that it offered up (unprompted) a scenic additional excursion.

What is key is that the AI includes within its suggestion, an allowance for looking at ‘stuff’ (the view from the top of Mont Ventoux and at the gorge) along with my specific request for a 40 minute coffee stop at a specific time.

Yup, use it to get ideas and fine tune to suit. In that respect it’s much like a recipe, which you amend to suit your own taste.

Please create me an eight hour circular motorcycle ride, beginning and ending in Apt, Provence. In it I would like to include a coffee stop at 10:30 AM for 40 minutes, a visit to the top of mont ventoux and the nesque gorge. I would like to avoid motorways and to favour interesting D roads, if possible.

Here’s a circular motorcycle route starting and ending in Apt, Provence, with the requested stops and highlights. It avoids motorways and favors scenic D-roads.


Total Duration: ~8 hours


Departure Point: Apt, Provence (Morning start, around 8:30 AM)


Route Overview:


1. Apt → Mont Ventoux


• Start your journey by heading east on D900 toward Gargas.


• Take D948 from Gargas towards Mormoiron.


• Continue on D938 through Malemort-du-Comtat, a scenic route that will take you near the base of Mont Ventoux.


2. Mont Ventoux Summit


• Take D974, which leads you to the top of Mont Ventoux. The climb offers stunning views of the Provence countryside. Expect a bit of a winding road, but it’s an unforgettable experience.


• Stop at Mont Ventoux: Enjoy panoramic views and take some time to appreciate the scenery at the summit. You can stretch your legs and take photos.


• Time at Mont Ventoux: ~40-60 minutes.


3. Mont Ventoux → Coffee Stop


• After the visit to Mont Ventoux, head down via D974 toward Bédoin.


• Once in Bédoin, take a left onto D5, which leads you toward Flassan.


• As you get closer to the village of Flassan, consider stopping at a charming café around 10:30 AM for a break. There are a few cafés in this region with excellent local coffee.


• Coffee Stop: 40-minute break.


4. Flassan → Nesque Gorge


• After your coffee stop, continue on D5 toward Villes-sur-Auzon.


• From here, take D942 and follow the road towards Nesque Gorge (Gorges de la Nesque). This stunning canyon offers impressive landscapes and sharp turns perfect for a scenic motorcycle ride.


• Nesque Gorge: Pause and enjoy the view. It’s one of Provence’s hidden gems, known for its dramatic cliffs and river below.


• Time at Nesque Gorge: 20 minutes or so for a good look and some pictures.


5. Nesque Gorge → Return to Apt


• From the Nesque Gorge, take D942 toward Monieux, a small village nestled in the hills.


• Then, turn onto D22 as it winds through Sault. From here, head back toward Apt.


• Your route will bring you through Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, a quaint village.


• Keep following the D22 and D900 back to Apt.


Optional Scenic Detours:


• If time allows, consider exploring a bit further around Les Bories near Gordes or take a brief detour around Roussillon for some beautiful ochre landscapes.


Summary of Stops and Timing:


1. Departure from Apt: 8:30 AM


2. Mont Ventoux Summit: Arrive around 10:00 AM, spend 40-60 minutes.


3. Coffee Stop in Flassan: 10:30 AM for 40 minutes.


4. Nesque Gorge: Arrive around 12:30 PM, take a short 20-minute break.


5. Return to Apt: Estimated arrival around 4:30 PM, leaving time for short scenic detours.



Total Distance: Roughly 250–300 km, depending on detours, with plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy the ride.


Let me know if you need any further adjustments to the route or timing!


PS It’s funny that I say “Please” to AI. I’ll also say “Thank you”….. something some on this forum might try sometimes.

 

[Wapping]

Very roughly, this is the route in post #43.

ChatGPT takes a bit of a liberty with the road numbers but I think that could be dialled out by making the request more specific in parts. The total distance though seems at variance, which suggests either I have made an error or ChatGPT has.

However, as a first flush stab, which AI created in seconds, it is pretty good. It took me much longer to create the instructions in MyRoute. It will be interesting when things develop and AI produces maps and / GPX routes.

 

[Engineer]

That’s as maybe but all we are interested in is AI’s ability to maybe create holidays from scratch, not in a Moon shot.

I guess there are some who think it will do a better job of choosing their holiday. Try the moonshot option and report back.

 

[Engineer]

does it offer a grammar and spell checking facility?

It tends to get capitalisation correct at the start of sentences.

 

[tjmouse]

However, as a first flush stab, which AI created in seconds, it is pretty good. It took me much longer to create the instructions in MyRoute. It will be interesting when things develop and AI produces maps and / GPX routes.

I think this is the key. I just asked chatGPT to suggest an itinerary for my holiday in Botswana and it essentially suggested the reverse loop of the holiday we have planned right off the bat. As a tool to get you started it's very powerful.

 

[Tinytim]

Day 2 feedback from Grok!

Glad Day 1’s enhancements hit the mark! Since you’re already set with a “very nice cross country route” through the Ardennes that you know well, I’ll trust your expertise there and focus on Day 2. Your plan for Thursday, June 12th—Sedan to the Northern Vosges via Douaumont Ossuary, a bakery in Verdun, and two national parks, ending at a Logis hotel near Haguenau—sounds like a gem of a ride. It’s roughly 250-300 km depending on your exact path, blending history, food, and nature. Let’s break it down and see how we can polish it up while keeping your core stops intact.

---

### Current Plan: Day 2 - Thursday, June 12th
- **Route**: Sedan → Douaumont Ossuary → Verdun (bakery stop) → Two national parks → Logis hotel near Haguenau.
- **Distance**: ~250-300 km (e.g., Sedan to Verdun ~70 km, Verdun to Haguenau ~200-230 km via parks).
- **Assumed Timing**: Morning start from Sedan (say 9 AM), arriving Haguenau area by late afternoon/early evening.
- **Key Stops**: Douaumont Ossuary (WWI memorial), Verdun bakery, two national parks (likely Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord and possibly Parc Naturel Régional de Lorraine en route).
- **Terrain**: Ardennes hills fading into Lorraine plains, then the gentle Vosges foothills near Haguenau.

### Improvements & Suggestions
You’ve got a solid framework—history at Douaumont, a tasty break in Verdun, and scenic parks. I’ll enhance it by suggesting ways to maximize the ride (since you love cross-country roads), refine your park routing, and add a small twist or two, all while landing you at your Logis hotel near Haguenau. June 12th gives you long daylight (~9:30 PM sunset) and great riding conditions.

#### 1. Sedan to Douaumont Ossuary & Verdun (~70-80 km)
- **Current**: Your cross-country knack likely has you on something like the D964/D603 to Verdun, avoiding the A4.
- **Improvement**: If not already planned, try this: From Sedan, take the **D977/D6** south via Stenay to Dun-sur-Meuse, then **D964** through Sivry-sur-Meuse to Verdun. It’s ~70 km, 1.5-2 hours, with quiet roads hugging the Meuse River—gentle bends, water views, and Ardennes charm.
- From Verdun, it’s a quick 10 km northeast on the **D603/D913** to Douaumont Ossuary. Visit the ossuary first, then loop back to Verdun for the bakery.
- **Why**: Keeps your cross-country vibe, avoids urban sprawl, and sets up a smooth flow.
- **Douaumont Ossuary**: A haunting WWI site—bones of 130,000 soldiers visible through windows, plus a tower with views over the battlefields. Allow 30-60 minutes.
- **Verdun Bakery**: Any spot in mind? If not, **Pâtisserie Laurent** (near Place Chevert) is a local favorite—croissants, pain au chocolat, or tarte aux mirabelles if they’ve got seasonal fruit. 30-45 minutes for a break.

#### 2. Verdun to the National Parks (~100-150 km to park edges)
- **Current**: You’re passing through “two national parks,” likely Parc Naturel Régional de Lorraine (closer to Verdun) and Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord (near Haguenau).
- **Improvement**: Link them with a rider-friendly route:
- From Verdun, head east on **D66/D904** via Étain to Briey, entering **Parc Naturel Régional de Lorraine**. Skirt the park’s edge via **D643/D15** through Jarny and Conflans-en-Jarnisy—rolling hills, forests, and sleepy villages.
- Cross into **Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord** via **D657/D919** through Sarrebourg and Phalsbourg. This stretch (~80 km from Briey) climbs into sandstone hills and pine woods—perfect for a motorbike.
- **Why**: Avoids bland N-roads (e.g., N4), keeps you on twisty D-roads, and maximizes park scenery. Total ~2.5-3.5 hours depending on pace.
- **Place to Add**: **Lac de Pierre-Percée** (in Parc de Lorraine, near Badonviller, slight detour off D15). A stunning lake surrounded by forest—great for a quick photo or leg stretch. Adds 30-45 minutes but worth it for the view.

#### 3. National Parks to Haguenau (~80-100 km)
- **Current**: Ending near Haguenau, a gateway to the Northern Vosges, at a Logis hotel (cozy, independent spots—nice pick!).
- **Improvement**: From the Vosges du Nord, take the **D919/D1062** via La Petite-Pierre (a hilltop village) to Saverne, then **D1404/D421** into Haguenau. This keeps you on scenic backroads—wooded curves and open stretches—rather than the faster D1340.
- **Why**: Stays true to your cross-country theme, with the Vosges’ red sandstone cliffs and castles peeking through. ~1.5-2 hours.
- **Place to Add**: **Château du Haut-Barr** (near Saverne, ~20 km before Haguenau). A medieval ruin dubbed the “Eye of Alsace” for its panoramic views. A short walk from the road—30-60 minutes if you’re up for it.
- **Haguenau Evening**: Your Logis hotel will likely have a restaurant—expect Alsatian classics like choucroute or flammekueche. If it’s in town, Haguenau’s old center has a relaxed vibe for a post-ride stroll.

---

### Enhanced Day 2 Itinerary
- **Start**: Sedan (9 AM).
- **Sedan to Verdun/Douaumont (~70 km)**: D977/D964 to Verdun, then D603 to Douaumont Ossuary (~1.5-2 hours). Ossuary visit (30-60 min), bakery stop in Verdun (30-45 min).
- **Verdun to Parks (~120-150 km)**: D66/D643/D657 through Parc de Lorraine, into Vosges du Nord via D919 (~3-3.5 hours). Optional Lac de Pierre-Percée stop (30-45 min).
- **Parks to Haguenau (~80-100 km)**: D919/D1404 via La Petite-Pierre to Haguenau (~1.5-2 hours). Optional Château du Haut-Barr stop (30-60 min).
- **Arrival**: Logis hotel near Haguenau (~5-6 PM with stops, ~4 PM without).
- **Total Ride Time**: ~6-7 hours (excluding breaks), ~270-300 km.

### Why It’s Better
- **Riding**: Reinforces your cross-country love with winding D-roads through two parks—more trees, fewer trucks.
- **Sights**: Adds Lac de Pierre-Percée’s beauty and Haut-Barr’s views without overloading your day (both optional).
- **Flow**: Ties your stops (Ossuary, Verdun, parks) into a cohesive ride, landing you in Haguenau refreshed.

---

### Checking In
Your Day 2 is already strong, and this just sprinkles in some extra flavor. Since you know the Ardennes, I kept the early route light on changes—your plan there’s clearly dialed in. Does this enhanced Day 2 feel right? Any tweaks you’d like (e.g., skip a stop, more curves)? And when you’re ready, toss me Day 3—I’m loving where this tour’s headed!

I have had a play, using ChatGPT to offer up a route for a jaunt I know well. From a brief look, it seems good enough for a day out or at least as a base from which to amend. Indeed the AI says as much in its closing advice. Interesting is that it offered up (unprompted) a scenic additional excursion.

What is key is that the AI includes within its suggestion, an allowance for looking at ‘stuff’ (the view from the top of Mont Ventoux and at the gorge) along with my specific request for a 40 minute coffee stop at a specific time.

Yup, use it to get ideas and fine tune to suit. In that respect it’s much like a recipe, which you amend to suit your own taste.



Here’s a circular motorcycle route starting and ending in Apt, Provence, with the requested stops and highlights. It avoids motorways and favors scenic D-roads.


Total Duration: ~8 hours


Departure Point: Apt, Provence (Morning start, around 8:30 AM)


Route Overview:


1. Apt → Mont Ventoux


• Start your journey by heading east on D900 toward Gargas.


• Take D948 from Gargas towards Mormoiron.


• Continue on D938 through Malemort-du-Comtat, a scenic route that will take you near the base of Mont Ventoux.


2. Mont Ventoux Summit


• Take D974, which leads you to the top of Mont Ventoux. The climb offers stunning views of the Provence countryside. Expect a bit of a winding road, but it’s an unforgettable experience.


• Stop at Mont Ventoux: Enjoy panoramic views and take some time to appreciate the scenery at the summit. You can stretch your legs and take photos.


• Time at Mont Ventoux: ~40-60 minutes.


3. Mont Ventoux → Coffee Stop


• After the visit to Mont Ventoux, head down via D974 toward Bédoin.


• Once in Bédoin, take a left onto D5, which leads you toward Flassan.


• As you get closer to the village of Flassan, consider stopping at a charming café around 10:30 AM for a break. There are a few cafés in this region with excellent local coffee.


• Coffee Stop: 40-minute break.


4. Flassan → Nesque Gorge


• After your coffee stop, continue on D5 toward Villes-sur-Auzon.


• From here, take D942 and follow the road towards Nesque Gorge (Gorges de la Nesque). This stunning canyon offers impressive landscapes and sharp turns perfect for a scenic motorcycle ride.


• Nesque Gorge: Pause and enjoy the view. It’s one of Provence’s hidden gems, known for its dramatic cliffs and river below.


• Time at Nesque Gorge: 20 minutes or so for a good look and some pictures.


5. Nesque Gorge → Return to Apt


• From the Nesque Gorge, take D942 toward Monieux, a small village nestled in the hills.


• Then, turn onto D22 as it winds through Sault. From here, head back toward Apt.


• Your route will bring you through Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, a quaint village.


• Keep following the D22 and D900 back to Apt.


Optional Scenic Detours:


• If time allows, consider exploring a bit further around Les Bories near Gordes or take a brief detour around Roussillon for some beautiful ochre landscapes.


Summary of Stops and Timing:


1. Departure from Apt: 8:30 AM


2. Mont Ventoux Summit: Arrive around 10:00 AM, spend 40-60 minutes.


3. Coffee Stop in Flassan: 10:30 AM for 40 minutes.


4. Nesque Gorge: Arrive around 12:30 PM, take a short 20-minute break.


5. Return to Apt: Estimated arrival around 4:30 PM, leaving time for short scenic detours.



Total Distance: Roughly 250–300 km, depending on detours, with plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy the ride.


Let me know if you need any further adjustments to the route or timing!


PS It’s funny that I say “Please” to AI. I’ll also say “Thank you”….. something some on this forum might try sometimes.

Oh dear. I'm getting sucked in .

 

[Wapping]

Oh dear. I'm getting sucked in .

 

[Tinytim]